Scan barcode
seashelfs's review against another edition
3.0
(3)
"Have you ever loved the body of a woman?
Have you ever loved the body of a man?
Do you not see that these are exactly the same to all in all nations and times all over the earth?"
I’m not the biggest fan of poetry so I decided to challenge myself by reading one. I was halfway through this book when I realized I have no idea what I have just read. So I went back from the start; annotating it, taking notes, trying to understand its meaning, and taking my sweet time. It was a struggle but I greatly enjoyed the struggle. It reminds me of my love of learning. I just don’t like studying or taking tests.
It is a celebration of humanity. Of nature. Of everything really. You can really tell the narrator’s love for the world and everything in it. I loved the overarching message of equality in the poems. Underneath it all, we are all the same. No matter who you are or what your job is, you matter. You are no more or less, we are all the same.
"Have you ever loved the body of a woman?
Have you ever loved the body of a man?
Do you not see that these are exactly the same to all in all nations and times all over the earth?"
I’m not the biggest fan of poetry so I decided to challenge myself by reading one. I was halfway through this book when I realized I have no idea what I have just read. So I went back from the start; annotating it, taking notes, trying to understand its meaning, and taking my sweet time. It was a struggle but I greatly enjoyed the struggle. It reminds me of my love of learning. I just don’t like studying or taking tests.
It is a celebration of humanity. Of nature. Of everything really. You can really tell the narrator’s love for the world and everything in it. I loved the overarching message of equality in the poems. Underneath it all, we are all the same. No matter who you are or what your job is, you matter. You are no more or less, we are all the same.
scruffie's review against another edition
DNF. I tried really hard but, god, I just can't stand Whitman's "(white) america is amazing" attitude. I can see how some aspects of his views can be considered progressive for his time, but I can't deal with the blatant parriotism or Whitman's overt confidence.
From the poems I read I liked only one (when I heard the learn'd astronomer.) but I'm not willing to read over 450 more pages looking for the next good 8 lines.
From the poems I read I liked only one (when I heard the learn'd astronomer.) but I'm not willing to read over 450 more pages looking for the next good 8 lines.
naranya's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
5.0
Anyone and everyone should read the Song of Myself from this collection. Amazing and transformative experience. Poetry doesn't get any better than that. It only rarely equals it.
mxunsmiley's review against another edition
4.0
I first read this collection 2 years ago, funnily enough, around this time. I'm not sure why I've had a change of heart regarding it but I did truly enjoy it the 2nd time. If it weren't for his almost obnoxious patriotism, I would have given this 5 stars, but alas. I think he had the right idea about many of the topics he addresses.
ahmed_suliman's review against another edition
3.0
I liked some poems dealing with love, self-love, nature, and freedom .. but I just closed the book at the songs of America, there's too much lies in them and forgery .. the grass of America you that he's talking about is bloodied from the massacres that had been executed against the indigenous.
adelle_bookworm's review against another edition
3.0
I am the poet of the body,
And I am the poet of the soul.
And I am the poet of the soul.
_lie_r0se_'s review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
rick_k's review against another edition
3.0
On an individual basis, many of these poems are great. There is a pride and promise of America that bursts from the lines with fanfare-like repetition. However, at 600+ pages it becomes relentless.
My mind became numb to the line level imagery about a third of the way through and gave over to the macro-level themes and history reflected in his work. We see him young, hedonistic, and idealistic; in love with love and possibility. Which gives way to thoughts and race and war and the loss of Abraham Lincoln. Then his belief in his own greatness, and the role his nation will take on the world stage. He describes everything as electric as technology advances, then the rise of Chicago (loved that part). And finally, his internal struggle with age, legacy, and death. Near the end he seems afraid that every poem will be his epitaph and you get a series of false finales (like [book:The Return of the King|61215384]).
As a whole it is an astounding artifact, but not a recommended read for pleasure. However, if you have a more academic bent, especially for feminism, anti-racism, American history, or queer studies--Whitman has surprisingly bold and forward-thinking opinions for a work with such contemporary popularity.
My mind became numb to the line level imagery about a third of the way through and gave over to the macro-level themes and history reflected in his work. We see him young, hedonistic, and idealistic; in love with love and possibility. Which gives way to thoughts and race and war and the loss of Abraham Lincoln. Then his belief in his own greatness, and the role his nation will take on the world stage. He describes everything as electric as technology advances, then the rise of Chicago (loved that part). And finally, his internal struggle with age, legacy, and death. Near the end he seems afraid that every poem will be his epitaph and you get a series of false finales (like [book:The Return of the King|61215384]).
As a whole it is an astounding artifact, but not a recommended read for pleasure. However, if you have a more academic bent, especially for feminism, anti-racism, American history, or queer studies--Whitman has surprisingly bold and forward-thinking opinions for a work with such contemporary popularity.
ethanawang's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
aftaerglows's review against another edition
2.0
i realized i didn't actually read "leaves of grass" but a book containing whitman's most important poems from that work, which is why i changed the edition (it's 88 pages while the actual book is like 500 or something).
anyways, i don't enjoy poetry that much so the low rating is my fault, and i skimmed a lot; but i noticed he made it a point to talk positively about feminism which i appreciated.
anyways, i don't enjoy poetry that much so the low rating is my fault, and i skimmed a lot; but i noticed he made it a point to talk positively about feminism which i appreciated.